Term: thymus epithelium
Note: This page represents a term created by the combination ("post-composition") of two ontology terms. For more information on the individual terms, click the hyperlinked name.
Name: thymus
Synonyms:
Definition: Paired organ where maturation of T-lymphocytes occurs. The adult thymus located on the dorsomedial aspect of the branchial cavity above the third pharyngeal cartilage. The thymus undergoes a period of rapid growth beginning at about the third week and continuing for several more weeks. Accompanying this growth is a dramatic change in the shape of the thymus. It is ovoid initially and then starts to grow dorsally along the skull, forming a characteristic protrusion. During this growth period the adult pattern of rag1-positive cortex and rag1-negative medulla becomes established. The protrusions diminish with age and the thymus gradually shrinks; at two years, the thymus is again confined to the pharynx with minimal if any protrusion.
Ontology: Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0001078]
Name: epithelium
Synonyms:
Definition: Portion of tissue, that consists of one or more layers of epithelial cells connected to each other by cell junctions and which is underlain by a basal lamina.
Ontology: Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0001486]